Conference Agenda
THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2025
1:00 - 1:30PM
REGISTRATION
1:30 - 2:30PM
WELCOME
2:30 - 4:00PM
WORLD CAFE
4:00 - 4:45PM
INTRO TO OPEN SPACE TECHNOLOGY
WORLD CAFE
A whirlwind of conversation where we'll explore key topics in a dynamic, ever-evolving round table format. Facilitated by Valerie McInnes.
INTRO TO OPEN SPACE TECHNOLOGY
Experience the freedom of Open Space Technology! In this introduction, Valerie will get participants ready to roll up their sleeves and learn by doing! Facilitated by Valerie McInnes.
4:45 - 6:00PM
NETWORKING MIXER
6:00 - 7:30PM
KEYNOTE
KEYNOTE: Nicole Dubé
Curiosity & Communications Expert, Broadcast Journalist & Storyteller
Session Description: Nicole is the owner of DUBÉ MEDIA Consulting & Storytelling, and is a familiar face in the Canadian media landscape. The professional speaker and emcee is known for her 20 year career as a national reporter, network news anchor, and former host of CTV Morning Live Winnipeg. Nicole’s keynote will focus on cultivating curiosity, self-interrogation, and storytelling for deep human connection in business and life.
7:30 - END PM
NETWORKING MIXER CONTINUED
END OF DAY ONE
FRIDAY, APRIL 25, 2025
8:00 - 8:30AM
REGISTRATION, BREAKFAST & NETWORKING
8:30 - 9:00AM
WELCOME
9:00 - 9:15AM
BREAK
9:14 - 10:15AM
SESSION #1
STREAM 1
Data-Driven Decision Making: Empowering
Learning and Development with Technology with Adam Van Schijndel
Session Description: In today’s rapidly changing world, Learning and Development (L&D) professionals are increasingly turning to data and technology to drive smarter, more effective training and development strategies. In this session we will explore how data-driven decision-making, automation, and AI are revolutionizing L&D processes across various industries such as education, healthcare, finance, and technology. Join us as we dive into the practical application of these technologies, from streamlining administrative tasks with automation to enhancing learning experiences through personalized AI-driven tools. We’ll also share how to effectively collaborate with developers to bring these solutions to life within your organization. What to Expect: Interactive Session: Collaborate with peers to brainstorm how data and technology can improve your L&D practices. We’ll guide you through mapping out your current processes and how to enhance them with automation and AI tools. Real-Time Collaboration: Participate in live polls and discussions, share challenges, and discuss strategies with other professionals in L&D to inspire new ideas. Technology in L&D: Understand how automation and AI are shaping the future of learning and development, whether it’s through personalized learning paths, predictive analytics, or improving course delivery efficiency. Communicating with Developers: Learn best practices for working with developers to implement tech solutions that meet your L&D goals, ensuring smooth integrations and impactful outcomes. Who Should Attend: Learning and Development professionals looking to integrate technology into their training programs. Industry leaders in sectors like education, healthcare, finance, and technology who want to optimize their workforce learning strategies. Anyone interested in understanding how data-driven decision-making, automation, and AI can revolutionize the L&D landscape. Professionals looking to enhance their communication skills with developers for seamless technology integration into their learning platforms. This session will provide the tools, insights, and strategies you need to leverage technology for a smarter, more efficient approach to Learning and Development.
STREAM 2
Inclusive Learning & Development: Equipping a Global Workforce for Success with Pat Hirst
Session Description: Workforce training is evolving to meet the needs of diverse employees. High-stakes industries like manufacturing, construction, and utilities present unique challenges. This session explores how a leading manufacturing company has made its onboarding and training more inclusive. Learn how they integrate DEI into technical training, leverage feedback, and embed inclusivity into daily operations. Gain actionable insights on Diversity Committees, DEI learning initiatives, and real-world lessons for creating training programs. • Design Inclusive Training – Create onboarding and technical training that supports a diverse workforce • Embed DEI in L&D – Apply best practices to integrate DEI into training programs to enhance workplace learning and safety • Build an Inclusive Culture – Learn how initiatives like Diversity Committees and DEI awareness events can create a more inclusive workplace
STREAM 3
From Training to Transformation: How to Design
Learning that Sticks with Yemilo Audu
Session Description: A lot of training programs sound great in theory but don’t actually lead to lasting change. People sit through sessions, absorb the content, and then… forget most of it when they get back to work. This session is all about designing learning that goes beyond just delivering information. It helps people retain, apply, and build on what they’ve learned in a way that actually sticks. We’ll break down why traditional training methods often fall short and explore simple, practical ways to make learning more impactful. Attendees will walk away with real strategies they can use to keep learners engaged, reinforce key takeaways, and make sure their training actually drives results. Objectives: - Understand why people forget training and what to do about it - Learn how to reinforce learning so it sticks long after the session ends - Use simple tweaks to make training more engaging and results-driven - Design learning that’s practical, relevant, and easy to apply in real life - Measure success and show the impact of learning initiatives This session will be interactive, straight to the point, and packed with strategies people can use right away, because learning should actually lead to real change, not just a good workshop.
10:15 - 10:35AM
BREAK & TRANSITION
10:35 - 11:35AM
SESSION #2
STREAM 1
Revolutionizing Content Development and
Knowledge Management with AI with Philip Giles
Session Description: This session explores the transformative potential of AI in creating, managing, and distributing learning content. Participants will learn how to harness AI-powered tools to streamline content creation, enhance knowledge management processes, and deliver impactful learning experiences. Learning Objectives: Understand the role of AI in optimizing content development workflows, from ideation to deployment. Explore real-world use cases of AI in knowledge management, including chatbots, content curation, and automated updates. Learn practical strategies and tools to integrate AI into your organization’s L&D initiatives to save time and improve learner engagement.
STREAM 2
Making The World a Safer Place - What All L&D
Practitioners Need to Know About Psychological
Safety with Chad Morton
Session Description: Experience Psychological Safety at work in this immersive and interactive session, designed to bring a subject we all need to learn about to life. Our session will focus on 5 key areas of Psychological Safety that impact how L&D professionals build a sense of Safety and Belonging in the classroom - whether virtual or in person, from 1 on 1 training to large groups. We will work together to experience how Psychological Safety works and what it feels like to be in an environment where Psychological Safety is encouraged, practiced, and used to build trust. Through group activities, we will come together to develop strategies for application of these important concepts, leaving with real, tangible actions we can take to impact our classrooms, and make them a safer place for all. Participants will walk away feeling they understand and have experienced Psychological Safety at work. Learning objectives: Attendees will recognize and apply the 5 key areas of Psychological Safety in the classroom to help everyone feel included. Attendees will develop impactful activities that allow for the building of Psychological Safety. Attendees will experience Psychological Safety in action, leading to new and innovative ways of applying these skills to their own lives.
STREAM 3
Building a Collaborative Relationship with SMEs with Kristina Kircher
Session Description: Working with Subject Matter Experts can be HARD! In this interactive session you will learn strategies to set you up for success when working alongside SME's to build training packages. You will learn: 1. The value of building an effective working relationship with SME's 2. Steps to take to ensure clear understanding of roles and responsibilities 3. What to do when things go sideways 4. How to keep a strong relationship after the training has been built.
11:40 - 12:00PM
MORNING DEBRIEF
12:00 - 1:00PM
LUNCH
1:00 - 2:00PM
SESSION #3
STREAM 1
Beyond the Screen: Creating 360° AR Learning Experiences with Melissa Goulbourne
Session Description: In this session, I will introduce the design process and tools I used to create a 360-degree AR learning experience featuring generative AI images and videos. By the end of the session, participants will be able to: 1. Identify the key benefits and use cases of augmented reality in eLearning. 2. Describe the step-by-step process for designing an interactive AR experience. 3. Engage with a 360-degree AR learning experience. 4. Explore ways to integrate similar strategies into their instructional designs.
STREAM 2
Accessible and Engaging Online Learning for Autistic Job Seekers with Ashleigh Lodge & Anne Kresta
Session Description: A passionate advocate for digital and physical accessibility for over 15 years, Ashleigh Lodge will describe how to plan for and build accessibility into engaging content for learners, especially those who are neurodivergent. The session will start with an introduction to digital accessibility terms and concepts, and continue with in-depth reviews of the four pillars of digital accessibility: Perceivable, Operable, Understandable and Robust, aka POUR. These pillars are fundamental to creating websites, applications and online content, and should be part of creating content for and selecting an accessible e-learning platform. Using the principles and concepts introduced by Ashleigh, Anne Kresta will describe how Level It Up built an accessible and engaging e-learning platform for skilled autistic job seekers. She will address some of the unique characteristics this learner group presents and how they were embedded in the curricular design and implementation. Together Ashleigh and Anne will provide delegates with information and examples of how to develop accessible, engaging and neuro-inclusive online learning opportunities for their learners.
STREAM 3
Empathy: The Secret Ingredient of Accessible
Design with Kelly Thibodeau
Session Description: In this session, we’ll explore how incorporating empathy maps into the instructional design process can elevate your approach to creating truly accessible learning experiences. You’ll learn how to go beyond the basics of learner personas and connect with your audience on a deeper, more meaningful level. By stepping into your learners’ shoes—considering their emotional, cognitive, and environmental contexts—you’ll be able to tailor training that truly meets them where they are. At the end of the session, participants will be able to: 1. Explain the role of empathy in instructional design and its impact on creating accessible learning experiences. 2. Use empathy maps to analyze learner experiences, emotions, and perspectives for more personalized content. 3. Evaluate and address cognitive, emotional, and environmental barriers to learning through empathy-driven insights. 4. Design inclusive learning experiences that cater to diverse learning needs and styles based on empathy insights.
2:00 - 2:20PM
BREAK
2:20 - 2:40PM
AFTERNOON DEBRIEF
2:40 - 4:30PM
OPEN SPACE TECHNOLOGY
4:30 - 5:00PM
CLOSING
END OF DAY TWO
